Findings & Recommendations of the Field Space Task Force

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Field Space Task Force Findings, page 0

Findings & Recommendations

of the Field Space Task Force

Investigation of Additional Field Space

Locations within the City of Newburyport

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I. Introduction ... 2

II. Needs Assessment ... 2

2.1 INVENTORY OF CURRENT FIELDS ... 5

2.2 CURRENT FIELD LOAD ... 8

2.3 LIST OF FIELD NEEDS ... 14

2.4 FIELD SIZE REQUIREMENTS ... 14

III. Task Force Findings ... 17

3.1 FIELD SPACE SEARCH... 17

3.2 RECOMMENDATIONS ... 19

3.2.1 Improvement of Existing Fields: Specific Sites ... 23

3.2.2 Improvement of Existing Fields: General Recommendations ... 23

3.2.3 Addition of New Fields ... 24

Appendices

APPENDIX 1 CHERRY HILL PLAYING FIELDS PHOTOS AND DRAWINGS APPENDIX 2 MOSELEY WOODS LAWN PHOTOS

APPENDIX 3 NOCK-MOLIN ATHLETIC FIELDS AND BRADLEY FULLER FIELD PHOTOS APPENDIX 4 WOODMAN PARK PHOTOS

APPENDIX 5 COOPER LAND PHOTOS APPENDIX 6 TURKEY HILL FARM PHOTOS APPENDIX 7 HOPE CHURCH SIDE LAWN PHOTOS APPENDIX 8 MYETTE PROPERTY 29 HALE STREET PHOTOS

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Findings and Recommendations of the Field Space Task Force’s

Investigation of Additional Field Space Locations

Within the City of Newburyport

DRAFT January 31, 2013

I. Introduction

In response to recreation goals highlighted in the city’s

Open Space & Recreation Plan

and a request by Mayor Donna Holaday in July 2011 to identify possible sites for

additional athletic fields, the Field Space Task Force was formed to investigate other

options for new athletic fields.

The task force includes the following members:

• Lise Reid, Parks Administrator

• Andrew R. Port, Director of Planning & Development

• John Daileanes, Athletic Director, Newburyport Public Schools • Sean Perkins, Newburyport Parks Commission

• Stephen Sawyer, Newburyport Parks Commission • Steven Bradbury, Youth Football Commissioner • Kevin Winn, Newburyport Youth Soccer Association • Dino Pantelis, Pioneer League, President

• Jeff Johnson, Newburyport Youth Flag Football

• Todd Gustafson, President, Newburyport Youth Lacrosse Association • Christian Sava, Adult Lacrosse

• Jack Ronan, Council on Aging

II. Needs Assessment

The group identified the foremost need to be the addition of a 90-foot baseball diamond to accommodate High School games and practices. Furthermore, as confirmed by the 2012 Open Space and Recreation Plan, multi-use fields are also needed to accommodate soccer and football, as well as field hockey, lacrosse, and other field sports. The addition of field space helps alleviate the heavy levels of use carried by the existing fields and allows for certain fields to be dedicated to one type of activity. Limiting a facility’s carrying capacity helps reduce wear and tear, lowering maintenance costs in the long term. 1

Baseball

There has long been a need expressed by the Pioneer League for an additional 90-foot baseball diamond. In 2013 construction of a new model school where the current Bresnahan School is located will exacerbate this need by eliminating the existing 90-foot diamond at that site. Because the NHS varsity baseball team uses the diamond at the High School, JV and Freshman teams are currently seeking a playing space beginning in spring 2013.

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Field Space Task Force Findings, page 3 Correspondingly, in 2012 Pioneer baseball diamonds were at capacity with youth baseball and softball games, according to Newburyport Pioneer League President Dino Pantelis. Using Cashman and Perkins Ball Fields for games is operationally difficult as it takes two to three strong people to install and remove the mound before and after games. Another multi-use diamond with a mound for baseball, similar to the diamond the Pioneer League constructed at Hawkes-Lepre field (back-right corner at Atkinson Common), that can accommodate both 50/70 games as well as 60/90 games, would accommodate high school baseball needs and swings in enrollment.

According to Pantelis Youth baseball outnumbers youth softball by almost 4:1 on average and the numbers of younger players enrolling is strong, so they expect the number of teams to increase again over the next few years.

Softball

The Newburyport Parks Commission reports having to turn away teams or severely limit field use by adult softball teams interested seeking field use permits due to lack of softball field space.

The Bresnahan school construction will also impact High School freshman softball with the loss of a softball field there. They currently use Cashman (varsity) and the middle school for

practices and games. Losing the Bresnahan softball field puts more demand on the Cashman and middle school fields which are already reaching capacity. The High School will be seeking

another softball field to use beginning in spring 2013. There is a potential of using Perkins Ball Field, although use of that field entails transportation of players by bus or car.

Soccer

In order for Newburyport Youth Soccer Association (NYSA) to conform to the rules of the Essex County Youth Soccer League, NYSA needs to provide two playing fields for every ten teams within an age group.

Example:

• Spring of 2010 NYSA had 8 - U12 teams. NYSA needed only the field inside the Fuller Field track to meet the demand.

• Fall of 2010 NYSA had 11 - U12 teams. Fall of 2010 they had to use Fuller Field and Cashman Park to meet the demand.

• Fall of 2012 NYSA had 13 - U12 teams. Cashman Park must be available for Youth Soccer to meet current demand and future demand.

If NYSA were to lose a U12 field then they would have to limit registrations to just 9 teams to stay within the Essex County Rules regarding number of fields per players. There are anywhere from 15 to 18 players on a team so that would be approximately 72 kids that would be turned away. This is just one example of limitations placed by reducing available soccer field space. Cherry Hill Field is at full capacity every Saturday with their In-Town League. They also play one U10 game at Amesbury Sports Park every Saturday night and they recent added the Woodman Park U10 field so they would not have to turn away any In-Town League players.

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Field Space Task Force Findings, page 4 NYSA has looked as school enrollment, census numbers, and NYSA league participation to determine future growth of the league. Their estimates show the following:

Children eligible to join Youth Soccer:

Current 12 & 13 years old (U14) = 360 (20+ teams) Current 10 & 11 years old (U12) = 376 (21+ teams) Current 8 & 9 years old (U10) = 321 (18+ teams) Current 6 & 7 years old (U8) = 409 (23+ teams)

The current 6 & 7 year old age group indicates that in the next two to five years there will be more teams and a much larger need for field space. The goal of NYSA is to build Cherry Hill in 2013 or 2014, let it rest for one year so the grass can grow, then play on the fields in 2016 when these 409 eligible kids will need the larger fields. Each team is required to have two practices per week, which is a current strain on field space now and will only get worse without the added field space.

Lacrosse

Lacrosse has a tendency to damage turf, making it difficult for other sports to share field space with them.

Adult lacrosse was denied a permit to play in 2012 due to lack of appropriate field space. High School and youth football teams are frustrated by the conditions of the school’s football fields, due in part to use by lacrosse usage.

A field dedicated to lacrosse or a synthetic turf field which could withstand extreme wear and tear are needed to properly accommodate the sport of lacrosse in Newburyport.

Field Hockey

The freshman field hockey team and Middle School field hockey team also used Bresnahan so field hockey playing space will need to be addressed with the loss of the Bresnahan fields. The JV/V field hockey team used the field inside the track at Fuller Field and pays for costly rental of the Amesbury Sports Park field for games.

The city needs additional field space to accommodate field hockey. Ultimate Frisbee

The Ultimate Frisbee Club has anywhere from 20 to 45 players per season. One or two

teams a season have a hard time finding field space. Ideally, they require a soccer or

football field, but due to lack of field space they frequently play on a smaller area,

finding open space wherever they can be accommodated.

Flag Football

Newburyport Flag Football played its first season in spring 2012. The Parks Commission and schools could not accommodate them on a playing field, but allowed them to make

improvements to the lawn at Moseley Woods and use that space. It was not ideal, but they were able to hold a season of games and practices. They need an actual playing field if the

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Field Space Task Force Findings, page 5 league is to grow in Newburyport to the extent that it has in Salisbury. Salisbury’s fall league grew by more than 100 players in 2012. Based on those numbers they are expecting demand for the Newburyport’s spring league to grow also, which will add undue wear and tear on a single field, especially one which is already sub-standard.

The city needs additional multi-use field space to accommodate the growth of a Flag Football League.

2.1 Inventory of Current Fields

Athletic fields provide facilities for organized sports such as baseball, softball, field hockey, football, lacrosse, and soccer. Currently, there are nine (9) city or school properties that contain twenty three (23) athletic fields or approximately 33.5 acres of active field space. This means that there are about of 2.5 acres of athletic fields available per 1,000 residents in this age bracket. Amesbury Sports Park in Amesbury has a turf field that is frequently used by Newburyport sports leagues. However, because these are fee and/or membership based facilities they only help meet public demand for those who can afford the services.

Table 2.1 on the following page inventories the city’s existing athletic fields available for each sport.

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Table 2.1. Inventory of Current Athletic Fields

Facility Name Number _{of fields} Size Condition Peak Usage Times _Spring Peak Usage Times _Summer Peak Usage Times _Fall

SOCCER

Bresnahan*** n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a

Cashman Park Soccer Fields 3 Good M-F: 3 pm to dark Sat: 7 am to 5:30 pm

Sun: 7 am to 4 pm _{Field rests}

M-F: 3 pm to dark Sat: 7 am to 5:30 pm Sun: 7 am to 4 pm

Cherry Hill Soccer Fields 2 Good

Mon-F 3 pm to dark Sat: 7 am to 4 pm

Sun: 8 am to noon _{Field rests}

Mon-F 3 pm to dark Sat: 7 am to 5:30 pm Sun: 8 am to noon

Bradley Fuller Field 2 Good

Molin/Nock 1 Full-size Good*

Woodman Park 1 ? Good M-F: 3 pm to dark _{Sat: 7 am to 4 pm}

Field rests Sat: 7 am to 5 pm M,W,F: 3 pm to dark

TOTAL SOCCER FIELDS 9

*Quality of field is diminished when used by lacrosse

*** Being eliminated in 2013 due to school building project

SOFTBALL & BASEBALL

Bresnahan*** 2 90' & 60' Poor

Cashman Park Ball Field 1 50’, 55’, 60’ Good Sat & Sun: 8 am to 10 pm M-F: 3 to 10 pm

Sat & Sun: 8 am to 10 pm

M-F: 5:30 to 10 pm

Sun: 5:30 to 10 pm M-Th: 6 to 10 pm

Molin/Nock 2 60' Fair

Newburyport High School 1 90' Fair**

Perkins Park Ball Field 1 50’, 60’ Good Sun: 1 to 8 pm _{Sat: 9 am to 8 pm} M,Th: 6 to 8 pm T,W,F: 4 to 8 pm Sun: 1 to 8 pm Sat: 9 am to 8 pm M-F: 8:30 am to 1:30 pm M,Th: 6 to 8 pm T,W,F: 4 to 8 pm Sun: 6 to 8 pm M-F: 8:30 am to 4 pm M,W,Th: 8:30 am to 8 pm

Pioneer Fields at Lower

Atkinson Common 3 70’, 60' Good

Woodman Park 1 T-ball Poor Sun: 9 am to 8 pm _{Sat: 3 to 8 pm}

T, Th: 3 to 8 pm Field rests

Sun: 9 am to 8 pm Sat: 3 to 8 pm T, Th: 3 to 8 pm

TOTAL BALL FIELDS 11

** Requires improved ongoing maintenance plan to optimize field potential *** Being eliminated in 2013 due to school building project

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Table 2.1. Inventory of Current Athletic Fields (Continued)

Facility Name Number _{of fields} Size Condition Peak Usage Times _Spring Peak Usage Times _Summer Peak Usage Times _Fall

FOOTBALL

Newburyport High School 1 Full-size Poor

Molin/Nock 1 Full-size Poor*

*Quality of field is diminished when used by lacrosse

LACROSSE

Molin/Nock 1 Full-size Poor Sun: Noon to 7 pm _{Sat: all day}

M-F: 4 to 8 pm

Fuller Field inside track 1 Full-size Good Sun: 1 to 6 pm

FIELD HOCKEY

FLAG FOOTBALL

Moseley Woods Lawn 1 0.5 acre Fair

ULTIMATE FRISBEE

Anywhere they can find

space

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Field Space Task Force Findings, page 8 2.2 Current Field Load

According to the current Open Space and Recreation Plan “fields in Newburyport are in particularly high demand for a variety of reasons: 1) high enrollment in existing field based sports programs; 2) programs that extend over multiple seasons; 3) density of population and lack of available open land; 4) emerging new sports that compete for the same space (such as Ultimate Frisbee, and rugby). “

Presented on the next pages in Table 2.2 is field load data for each sports category collected by the task force.

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Field Space Task Force Findings, page 9 Table 2.2 Current Field Load

Soccer Field Load

(Fall)

Tots U6 U8 U10 U12 U14 Freshman JV Varsity Participants per season 30 248 248 188 125 94

Teams per division 1 24 25 14 9 5 2 2 2

Games per division per wk 0 12 12 7 9 5 Practices per division per wk 1 24 25 28 18 10 Duration of games (min) 0 45 50 60 Duration of practices (min) 45 60 60 60 Field size 25x40 25x40 25x40 40x70

Number of non-Newburyport

NYSA players (excl. Tots) 123 Number of Total Players 903

Percent 14%

Spring (April-May)

Tots U6 U8 U10 U12 U14 Freshman JV Varsity Participants per season 30 203 205 139

Teams per division 1 19 18 12

Games per division per wk 0 9 9 6 Practices per division per wk 1 19 18 24 Duration of games (min) 0 45 50 60 Duration of practices (min) 45 60 60 60 Field size 25x40 25x40 25x40 40x70

Percent Non-Newburyport 15%

Summer - proposed (July-Aug)

Soccer Load (Summer 3 vs.3) Tots U6 U8 U10 U12 U14 Freshman JV Varsity Participants per season 30 240 200 100

Games per division per wk 0 10 8 4 Practices per division per wk 1 0 0 0 Duration of games (min) 0 60 60 60 Duration of practices (min) 45 60 60 60 Field size 25x40 25x40 25x40 40x70

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Field Space Task Force Findings, page 10 Flag Football Field Load

Spring*

6 to 8 9 to 11 12 to 15

Participants per season 60 80 60

Teams per division 6 8 6

Games per division per wk 1 1 1 Practices per division per wk 1 1 1 Duration of games (min) 60 60 60 Duration of practices (min) 60 60 60 Field size 90'x210' 90'x210' 90'x210' Number of non-Newburyport

players 15 15 15

Number of Total Players 60 80 60 Percent Non-Newburyport 0.25 0.1875 0.25

*2012 data available for spring only Adult Co-ed Softball Field Load (18+)

(Summer – May to Early September)

GNSA NEPTUNE OTHER

Games per division per wk 8 8 2 Practices per div per wk n/a n/a n/a Duration of games (min) 120 120 120 Duration of practices (min) n/a n/a n/a

Field size _diamond60' _diamond60' _diamond60' No. of games weekly

played out of town 2

Number of Total Players 160 105 45

Adult Co-ed Softball Field Load (18+)

(Fall – September through October)

GNSA NEPTUNE OTHER

Games per division per wk 2 6 2 Practices per div per wk n/a n/a n/a Duration of games (min) 120 120 120 Duration of practices (min) n/a n/a n/a

Field size _diamond60' _diamond60' _diamond60' No. of games weekly

played out of town

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Youth Baseball Field Load

(Spring - April-early July)

NEBL 10 Year Old _{NBPT Boys Team} NEBL 11 Year Old _{NBPT Boys Team} NEBL 12 Year Old _{NBPT Boys Team} Pioneer SD Pioneer A Pioneer B Pioneer SC Pioneer C Pioneer T Pioneer GA Pioneer GB

Participants per season 72 72 120 52 65 96 50 50 60 52 48

Total Teams per division 4 to 6 4 to 6 6 to 10 4 5 8 5 5 6 4 4

Games per division per wk 1 to 2 1 to 2 1to 2 ₁ ₁ ₁ ₁ ₁ ₁ ₁ ₁

Practices per div per wk 1 to 2 1 to 2 1 to 2 2 2 2 1 1 OPTIONAL 2 2

Duration of games (min) 2.5 hours (Saturday Nights) 2.5 hours (Sunday Mornings) 2.5 hours (Sunday Mornings) ₂ ₂ ₂ ₂ ₂ ₁ ₂ ₂

Duration of practices (min) 90 minutes 90 minutes 90 minutes

Field size (bases) 70' (46/65) 70' (50/70) 70' (50/70) 90' 70' 60' 60' 60' 60' SOFTBALL SOFTBALL

Number non-resident

players 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

NEBL - Northern Essex Baseball league

* Lack of field space decreases practices for this division

Youth Baseball Load

(Summer - July & August)

NEBL Pioneer Summer Tournament Division

Participants per season NEBL does not have a fall league 300

Teams 25

Games per division per wk

Practices per div per wk

Duration of games (min) 2 hours

Duration of practices (min) 90 minutes

Field size 90', 60'

Number non-resident

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Field Space Task Force Findings, page 12 Youth Football Field Load

(Fall)

U8 U10 U12 U14

Participants per season 30 30 30 30

Games per division per

wk 1 2 1 1

Practices per div per wk 4 8 4 4 Duration of games (min) 90 90 90 90 Duration of practices

(min) 90 90 90 90

Field size yards 100 yards 100 yards 100 yards 100 Number of

non-Newburyport players 0 0 0 0 Number of Total Players 30 30 30 30 Percent

Non-Newburyport 100 100 100 100

40 Cheerleaders per season

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Newburyport High School Field Load

(Spring - March 18) Boys Lacrosse JV Boys Lacrosse Varsity Girls Lacrosse JV Girls Lacrosse Varsity Baseball

Freshman Baseball JV Baseball Varsity Freshman Softball Softball JV Softball Varsity

Boys Track & Field JV Boys Track & Field Varsity Girls Track & Field JV Girls Track & Field Varsity

Participants per season 26 27 15 15 14 14 14 14 14 14 20 19 15 15

Teams per division

Duration of games (min)

Duration of practices (min)

Field size

players

Number of Total Players

Percent Non-Newburyport

Newburyport High School Field Load

(Fall - From August 23)

Football

Freshman Football JV Football Varsity

Boys Soccer Freshman Boys Soccer JV Boys Soccer Varsity Girls Soccer Freshman Girls Soccer JV Girls Soccer Varsity Field Hockey Freshmen Field Hockey JV Field Hockey Varsity Girls Cross Country Varsity Boys Cross Country Varsity Golf

Varsity Cheerleading Varsity

Participants per season 20 20 20 11 11 11 15 15 15 19 19 19 42 42 27 16

Teams per division

Duration of games (min)

Duration of practices (min)

Field size

players

Number of Total Players

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Field Space Task Force Findings, page 14 One way to estimate levels of use is to track the participation numbers in recreation programs and organized school sports activities. This information is summarized in Table 2.3 below, where estimated participation numbers are listed by the type of facility. By comparing the total number of program participants with the total number of facilities, it is possible to estimate the demand carried by each individual facility. 2

Table 2.3. Total Organized Sports Program Participants by Type of Facility

Facilities Quantity Total # of

program participants annually

Estimated # of

users per facility Extent of Use (# of months) Soccer &

multi-use fields 11 2,994 175 7

Baseball (full-size, little league, softball)

11 843 77 7

Football 1 416 416 7

2.3 List of field needs

The following list represents additional field space needed in Newburyport. 1. Two 90-foot baseball diamond

2. Additional full-size soccer field 3. One 50/70 baseball field

4. One additional adult softball field

5. Dedicated space for football practice or synthetic turf field to be shared use 6. Dedicated space for lacrosse or synthetic turf field to be shared use

7. Additional multi-use field for sports including

a.

flag football

b.

ultimate Frisbee

c.

field hockey 2.4 Field Size Requirements

To aid in identifying which potential sites are suitable to a particular sport, Table 2.4 lists size requirements of various sports3_.

2

2012 City of Newburyport Open Space and Recreation Plan

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Field Space Task Force Findings, page 15 Table 2.4 Field Size Requirements by Sport

Facility Baselines (feet)

Pitching distance (feet) Distance down foul lines (feet) Outfield Distance to Center Field (feet) Home plate to outfield wall (feet) Court/ field

Size (feet) Buffer Orientation

Surface

type Grading Recommended Area Unit Special considerations

Bocce Ball Minimum 13 x 78

3 ft each side; 9 ft

each end Long axis NS; minor

turf or sand-clay

mix 1% for turf; level for sand-clay 1,824 sq ft

Optional low wooden barrier at either end and/or side of court

Bocce Ball Maximum 19.5 x 92

3 ft each side; 9 ft

each end Long axis NS; minor 2,816 sq ft

Baseball: Official &

Babe Ruth (13-15 & 16-18 yrs) 90 60.5 350 400

Line from home plate to pitchers mount to second base east-northeast

Turf; Infield may

be skinned Baselines and home plate level 3 to 3.85 acres

Pitcher's plate is 10 inches above home plate; backstop 40 to 60 feet behind home plate

Senior League (13-15 yrs) 90 60.5 300 300 300

Turf; Infield may

be skinned Baselines and home plate level 3 to 3.85 acres

Pitcher's plate is 10 inches above home plate; backstop 40 to 60 feet behind home plate

Baseball (9-12 yrs) 70 48 175 225

Turf; Infield may

be skinned Baselines and home plate level 1 acres

Pitcher's plate is 6 inches above home plate; backstop 20 feet behind home plate

Soccer, Mens and Boys' standard

195-225 x

330-360 10 feet on all sides

Preferred long axis

northwest-southeast or north

south Turf

Ideally longitudinal crown with 1% slope from center to

each side w/underdrainage 1.7 to 2.1 acres 24'h goals at each end

Soccer Tots Field 35 x 65

Soccer U6 Field 40 x 75

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Field Space Task Force Findings, page 16 Table 2.4 Field Size Requirements by Sport (Continued)

Touch and Flag Football Standard 120 x 300 6 feet on all sides

Preferred long axis

south Turf

each side w/underdrainage 0.94 acres

20'h x 23'w Goal posts and 18" high pylons required

Newburyport Flag Football minimal needs 90 x 210 Turf

Lacrosse, Men's 159-180 x 330.5

10 feet on all sides with fence or 20 feet without fencing

Preferred long axis

south Turf

each side w/underdrainage 1.4 to 1.6 acres

6'h x 6'w goals, 45' in front of each end line

Field Hockey Standard 180 x 300 10 feet on all sides

Preferred long axis

south Turf

each side w/underdrainage 1.5 acres 7'w x 12'h goals

Football, Pop Warner Junior League 160 x 360 6 feet on all sides

Preferred long axis

south Turf

each side w/underdrainage 1.5 acres

20'h x 23'w Goal posts and 18" high pylons required

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III. Task Force Findings

3.1 Field Space Search

The group began by taking a broad look at all the city-owned land, particularly open space,

which might more easily accommodate field space needs. Using GIS mapping the group

identified 18 parcels, both public and private, which warranted a closer look. (See Table 3.1 on

the next page.)

The group considered the following criteria in assessing each site’s potential for athletic field

use:

• Amount of field potential space gained

• Potential for lighting

• Acquisition or leasing cost

• Development constraints such as wetlands or topography

• Construction costs

• Access

• Impact on neighbors

• Landowner interest

• Concerns of special interest groups

Site walks and further assessment of each site according to the above criteria narrowed the list

of spaces which should be looked at more closely for use as additional field space. The task

force looked at site options listed in Table 3.2 as potential additional field space. See map on

page 22 for a visual rendering of all the sites considered by the task force.

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Table 3.1

Original List of Open Space Identified for Potential Field Space

Site Name Owner Assessor's Map-Lot No. Street Address Total Lot Size (Acres) Reason for rejection

Cooper Land Allen R. Cooper 97-22 & 97-10 159 Low Street 12.25 n/a

Site abutting landfill JPBA LLC 98-3 20 Crow Lane 7.08 Acquisition, construction costs, extensive clearing, size constraints

Arrowhead Farm Dick Chase 115-2 & 115-3 131 Old Ferry Road 19.46 Conservation restriction

Land off Old Ferry Road Wayne Capolupo 114-2 130 Old Ferry Road 25.1 Acquisition, distance from schools

Colby Land, middle parcel Jackman Colby 97-16 Crow Lane 0.9 Wetlands

Colby Land, back parcel Jackman Colby 97-17 13 Crow Lane 5.1 Wetlands

Cushing Park City of Newburyport 51-42 41 Kent Street 1.8 Too small

Fulton Pit City of Newburyport 35-79 15 Hill Street 2.73 Too small

Colby Land with Low Street Frontage Jackman Colby 97-14 183 Low Street 7.5 Wetlands

Rindler Land Doris Rindler 39-39A 32 Toppans Lane 1.41 Acquisition, sold

Malcolm Hoyt Drive S A Meredith & K R Harris TRS 84-1-D 23 Hale Street 4.07 Change of use prohibitive; wetlands

March’s Hill City of Newburyport 33-7 33 High Street 5.04 Wetlands, size constraints

Maudslay State Park Commonwealth of Mass 115-1 Curzon Mill Road 342 Change of use prohibitive

Myette Land Jere Myette Multiple Hale Street 130+ n/a

Land between Frances Dr. & Anderson Lane Frances Dr. & Anderson _Ln. _Wetlands

Rock Ledge Russell Hussey, Jr. 94-2 25 Crow Lane 16.74 Lack of access; high development cost

Woodman Land Eleanor and Irving Woodman 98-22 Low Street 21.93 n/a

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Field Space Task Force Findings, page 19 3.2 Recommendations

The task force identified several ways in which the city can maximize use of existing fields and increase its field space including:

• Improvement of existing fields through reconfiguration, improvement, and increased maintenance (See Table 3.2 on following page);

• Acquisition of additional open space (See Table 3.2 on following page); • Centralization of field scheduling.

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Table 3.2 IMPROVEMENT AND/OR RECONFIGURATION OF EXISTING SITES

Site Pros Cons Usable Lot Size _{(acres, approx.)} Additional Field Potential & Notes Owner Address

Cherry Hill Parcel B Existing use 5.5 Improvement of parcel to include full-size soccer field and

reconfiguration of existing parking City of Newburyport Daniel Lucy Way

Easy access

Parking

City-owned

Moseley Woods Easy access 1+ Front lawn currently used for Flag _Football

(72-14) Parking Field Improvement required

City-owned

Nock School Fields Redesign Large space High construction cost 7.5 60' Baseball Diamond City of Newburyport

(38-1) City-owned

Easy access

Parking

Existing use

Potential for multiple _fields

Fuller Field Redesign City-owned 10 Small soccer field or baseball _{diamond or lacrosse} City of Newburyport

Fuller Field & Abutting Land Proximity to schools High construction cost & Julia Farwell-Clay

(37-1 & 37-11) Existing use Potential neighbor conflicts

Woodman Park Existing use Ledge 2+ 90' Baseball Diamond City of Newburyport 132 Crow Lane

(100-1) Large space

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Field Space Task Force Findings, page 21 Table 3.2 IMPROVEMENT AND/OR RECONFIGURATION OF EXISTING SITES (continued)

POTENTIAL NEW SITES

Site Pros Cons Usable Lot Size _{(acres, approx.)} Additional Field Potential & Notes Owner Address

Cooper Land Lighting potential Requires acquisition 12.25 Allen R. Cooper 159 Low Street

(97-22) Large space

Turkey Hill Farm Lighting potential Requires acquisition 42 Potential connectivity to City _Forest Jennie M. Maskiewicz 101 Turkey Hill Road & _{Turkey Hill Road Rear}

(91-3-A) Large space High construction cost Multiple fields

Easy access Conservation Commission conflict

Hope Church Side Lawn Easy access Requires acquisition 1.4 Size appropriate for Flag Football, _{Field Hockey, Ultimate Frisbee} First Baptist Church 11 Hale Street

(83-3) Parking

Proximity to schools

29 Hale Street Large space Requires acquisition 10 Jere Myette 29 Hale Street

(84-1) Lighting potential

Potential for multiple _fields

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Field Space Task Force Findings, page 22 Figure 3.3 Comprehensive overview of all parcels considered by the Field Space Task Force

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Field Space Task Force Findings, page 23 3.2.1 Improvement of Existing Fields: Specific Sites

The group recommends the following improvements to existing fields: Cherry Hill Playing Fields

The group recommends support of NYSA initiative to expand and improve the playing facility at Cherry Hill. Addition of a full-size soccer field helps to satisfy the demands of NYSA’s growing league and would alleviate NYSA usage of Fuller Field, making that area available to other sports groups (See Appendix 1 for site photos and project description and drawings).

Moseley Woods Lawn

The lawn at Moseley Woods accommodated flag football in the 2012 season. It is in disrepair, but the league did their best to make minimal improvements to make it safe and playable. The city-owned site provides parking and restroom facilities. The site is large enough to

accommodate a full-size flag football field. The group recommends making basic field

improvements and potentially some minor reconfiguration of an existing walkway and amenities to maximize use of this space as a playing field for sports such as Flag Football and Ultimate Frisbee (See Appendix 2 for site photos).

Nock-Molin Athletic Fields and Bradley Fuller Field

Reconfiguration of these fields in consultation with School Athletic Director will increase multi-sport usage of these fields. The task force recommends considering a 90' diamond at this location, combined with other multi-use fields. This option keeps the field on existing, city owned property, will potentially make better use of existing fields, and allows high school baseball players to walk to the field rather than being transported to games and practices by bus or private cars. NHS athletic director John Daileanes has indicated that the burden of

transporting kids to games and practices is a burden for parents that would likely decrease registration numbers.

Improved drainage at the Bradley Fuller Field would allow for increased use of this existing space. Improved maintenance procedures at both fields including repairs of damaged fields, and turf upkeep would also result in safer fields and maximization of field use (See Appendix 3 for site photos).

Woodman Park

The group recommends increasing the size of the existing softball field at Woodman Park to accommodate a second 90’ diamond or multi-use Softball-Baseball Field. The field would potentially accommodate NHS girls softball and NHS boys baseball. The field could also

accommodate the demands of the Pioneer League for an additional 90’ diamond and a 50’-70’ diamond. While Woodman Park does not offer the proximity to school grounds that would allow walking to the field, it still provides additional field space on existing city property, without changing the existing use (See Appendix 4 for site photos).

3.2.2 Improvement of Existing Fields: General Recommendations Synthetic Turf Surface

The group recommends installation of synthetic turf surfacing where possible as funding allows. Synthetic surfaces is easier to maintain than natural grass and can greatly increase the ability for

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Field Space Task Force Findings, page 24 several different sports to share the same field including much-needed accommodation of lacrosse and football usage.

Increased Field Lighting

Field lighting can significantly increase the amount of hours during which a field can be used allowing greater programming flexibility. The group recommends considering adding lighting as funding allows wherever it does not conflict with neighbor preference.

Increased Maintenance

Poor maintenance was cited by all sports leagues across the board as a limiting factor in field usage as well as a deterrent to putting more resources into improving the fields and sports programs. Youth leagues expressed an interest in contributing financial reserves if they could be assured those funds would be spent directly on improving field maintenance. As one league president put it, because they already pay $20 per player for use of school fields and don’t see those funds being returned to field maintenance, they are not confident additional league funding will be well spent.

3.2.3 Addition of New Fields

The group identified the following sites, listed in Table 3.2, as having the greatest potential to fulfill field space needs and therefore warranting further investigation. The task force makes the following specific recommendations for developing new fields.

Cooper Land, 159 Low Street

This land has good size potential to allow for multiple fields and parking. Location may also be amenable to lighting. The land’s proximity to the schools makes it within walking distance for school players (See Appendix 5 for site photos).

Though initial outreach to the landowner was not successful, the group recommends further investigation of a use agreement with the landowner for construction of athletic fields. Turkey Hill Farm, 101 Turkey Hill Road

This property is farmland with an existing residential structure. The land is harvested for hay by a local farmer. While the pastoral quality of the land may appear to conflict with athletic field usage, the group feels there is enough space to accommodate fields and still retain much of the bucolic feel and continue to hay a portion of the land.

The group recommends investigation of a use agreement with the landowner for construction of athletic fields (See Appendix 6 for site photos).

Hope Church Side Lawn, 11 Hale Street

This property is suitable for a multi-use field which could potentially accommodate flag football, field hockey, and Ultimate Frisbee. Its location directly across Low Street from the Nock Molin school makes it easy for student players to access the field on foot. There is the potential for shared parking with the Hope Church. The group recommends investigation of a use agreement with the landowner for construction of one, multi-use athletic field (See Appendix 7 for site photos).

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Field Space Task Force Findings, page 25 29 Hale Street

The size of this property is ideally suited to multiple athletic fields including multi-use, a baseball diamond, and practice fields for football and/or lacrosse. There is ample space to provide for parking, and the land is easily accessed from Hale Street. Its location away from residential properties makes the space a candidate for field lighting. The group recommends investigation of a use agreement with the landowner for construction of multiple athletic fields (See Appendix 8 for site photos).

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Appendix 1

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Field Space Task Force Findings, page 27 Proposed Improvements to Playing Fields at Cherry Hill

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Appendix 2

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Appendix 3 Nock-Molin Athletic Fields and

Bradley Fuller Field Photos

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Appendix 4

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Appendix 5

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Appendix 6

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Appendix 7

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Appendix 8 Myette Property

29 Hale Street Photos

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Appendix 9 Other Drawings and Photos

Of Lower-priority or Rejected Sites

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Findings & Recommendations of the Field Space Task Force